Jacintha Kraft Balch is an Ohio Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Probate and Trust, holds the highest Martindale Hubbell AV rating available to any lawyer, and has been named as one of Central Ohio's Top Lawyers in C.E.O. Magazine. She founded Balch Law in 1991. The firm's practice is dedicated to providing large firm experience with small firm attention.
She is a member of The Columbus Foundation's Professional Advisory Board, has served on the Columbus Jewish Foundation's Professional Advisory Board and as a Board Member of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio.
She is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education...

Recipient of the coveted "AV" 5.0 PREEMINENT highest possible rating from Martindale-Hubbell for more than the last decade and named by CEO Magazine for the last decade-plus as one of Ohio's "Top Lawyers", Mr. Lewis is well known in the Central Ohio business, legal and political communities, and has developed a substantial trial practice in local, state and federal courts in areas as wide-ranging as business, environmental, employment, civil rights, criminal, real estate, creditors' rights, matrimonial/divorce and extraordinary remedies litigation to land use planning/zoning law. Mr. Lewis is a Dean's List graduate of Miami (Ohio) University (1978) and earned...

Troy Doucet is one of the most recognized names in foreclosure defense and consumer law. He has published several legal books, speaks regularly on the area of consumer law, and has assisted other attorneys nationally in their foreclosure defense cases.

I have practiced law for over 30 years, and enjoy my profession every day. My background in a wide variety of legal areas enables me to bring a big-picture view to a business matter or an estate planning session - and to be alert for specific pitfalls, as well.

I have provided problem solving and comprehensive planning to individuals and businesses for twenty-two years. My representation and advice have helped a broad and diverse group of companies, executives, and entrepreneurs across a wide range of representative matters. From start-ups and financing to business sales and acquisitions or assisting with day-to-day legal needs, I have aided numerous clients and family-owned businesses. I take a vested interest in my clients’ success, and as outside general counsel I advocate for and advise them on the myriad of issues encountered in structuring, negotiating, and documenting both complex and common corporate and commercial transactions....

Real estate refers to land, as well as anything permanently attached to the land, such as buildings and other structures, and covers more than just the drafting of contracts for the purchase and sale of property. Both federal and state laws regulate real estate transactions. The Federal Fair Housing Act, for example, prohibits discrimination in real estate transactions on account of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Many states have enacted similar legislation that prohibits discrimination on the basis of certain characteristics.

Attorneys in this field may handle leasing issues, landlord-tenant disputes, eviction proceedings and homeowner association (HOA) problems. Other matters within this practice area include title disputes, mortgages, covenants, easements, and equitable servitudes. Many real estate issues can affect both commercial and individual renters and landlords. Real estate lawyers who represent commercial interests may also focus on land use, zoning, environmental law, or eminent domain issues.

Some states provide a certification for lawyers who have demonstrated experience and competency in the practice of real estate law. These attorneys must meet certain educational, experience, and examination requirements to receive the certification as a specialist.

Deed: The legal document that transfers the ownership of real property from one party to another.

Mortgage: A mortgage is a document signed by a borrower when a loan is made that gives the lender a right to take possession of the property if the borrower fails to repay the loan.